Canadian medical cannabis producer Tilray has announced that it has partnered with brewer AB InBev to focus on research that will guide responsible innovation in non-alcoholic beverages containing tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD).
The partnership will be limited to Canada, and decisions regarding the commercialisation of beverages will be made in the future.
The research partnership will combine AB InBev’s extensive experience in beverages with Tilray’s expertise in products made of cannabis.
Exploring Opportunities
AB InBev’s participation will be through its subsidiary Labatt Breweries of Canada - one of the company’s founding businesses and its leading brewery in the country.
President of Labatt Breweries of Canada, Kyle Norrington, said, “As consumers in Canada explore THC and CBD-infused products, our innovative drive is matched only by our commitment to the highest standards of product quality and responsible marketing.
“We intend to develop a deeper understanding of non-alcohol beverages containing THC and CBD that will guide future decisions about potential commercial opportunities.”
Tilray’s will be involved in the partnership through its Canadian adult-use cannabis subsidiary - High Park Company, which develops, sells, and distributes a portfolio of socially responsible cannabis products in Canada.
'Responsible Product Development'
CEO of Tilray, Brendan Kennedy, said, “We are delighted to be joining forces with a world-leading beverage company, AB InBev, to research how to create enjoyable cannabis beverage products.
“Tilray and AB InBev share a commitment to responsible product development and marketing, and we look forward to beginning our work on this important partnership as Tilray continues to pioneer the development of a professional, transparent, and well-regulated cannabis industry.”
The total investment is expected to add up to $100 million, with each company contributing $50 million USD.
Both companies believe that the legal market for cannabis-infused beverages will only thrive if the industry embraces appropriate regulation of adult-use cannabis, including responsible production, marketing, sale, and consumption.
© 2018 European Supermarket Magazine – your source for the latest retail news. Article by Dayeeta Das. Click subscribe to sign up to ESM: The European Supermarket Magazine.
